I have found that when we close down our senses (awareness) and our acceptance to new things, we miss so much in our life. The level of our awareness about ourselves and of things around us make all the difference in how happy we perceive ourselves to be.

Have you ever played a little game with yourself such as reminding yourself that today I am going to learn something new or today I am going to really listen to what others are saying? When we focus outside ourselves, there is a whole new world out their waiting for discovery. Now I am not suggesting we should forget who we are and what is important to us, but rather we should be extending our awareness to a broader circle other than our own thoughts and feelings.

How would you rate your awareness? Say on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being not aware and 5 being very aware), ask your such questions such as:

Did I notice the sunset yesterday?

How often do I smile in a day?

Do I listen to what people are saying?

Did I hurt someone today and not notice?

To receive what the Universe is giving us, we must have an open mind and we must listen carefully. I love this quote by James Thurber. "Do not look back in anger, or forward in fear, but around in awareness."

Paying attention to the now, and not being immersed in the past or the future, brings us opportunities to more fully understand all our difficulties and problems so that we can transform our life into one that is more pleasing to us. To make that transformation, we must be aware of our thoughts and actions.

Our lives with one another are linked inseparably together.  Whatever we do affects and rebounds upon us. If we are not happy when we are around others, they will feel that unhappiness, if we are happy, they will feel that happiness. Thoughts and feelings are things and people pick up on that particular vibration. Be careful what you put out there.

Kind thoughts and acts are contagious! Challenge yourself by having more positive conversations, and doing more kind acts for others and you will see how wonderful it is to have positive, loving experiences in your life.  Make an effort to be aware of what you are doing each and every day, for in doing so, your life can come alive in a beautiful way. Remember, it is you who starts the ball rolling, don’t wait, do it now. The rewards are great!

May love always guide you,

Rev. Sharon Regnell-Gaskill